Mechanics

Newton's laws of motion

Law of inertiaΣF = 0 → v = constant

Live graph

Parameters

Mass5 kg
Initial velocity5 m/s
Friction coefficient μ0

0 = frictionless surface

Applied force

Toggle to show Newton's 1st law

Calculated

Mass5 kg
Initial velocity5 m/s
Friction (μ)0.00
Friction force0.0 N
Net force0.0 N

Curriculum

WAECNECOIGCSESATJUPEB

📋 Teacher notes

  • An object stays at rest or moves at constant velocity unless a net external force acts on it.
  • Inertia is the resistance to change in motion — heavier objects have more inertia.
  • On a frictionless surface (μ=0), a moving block never stops. On Earth, friction provides the net force.
  • Common misconception: students think a moving object needs a continuous force to keep moving. It doesn't — only to accelerate it.
  • Demonstrate: set initial velocity, then toggle friction on/off mid-animation to show inertia.

✏️ Exercises